A pre-departure meeting will be held the night prior to your trip departure, the details of where to meet are listed on your tour voucher and trip dossier.

The Pre-Departure meeting is held at 6pm THE DAY BEFORE the scheduled departure date at the meeting point. The pre-departure meeting is held to discuss the tour itinerary in more detail, meet your crew and fellow passengers.

In addition the crew will check that all passengers have the following necessary travel documents:-
1. Tour voucher
2. Travel insurance documentation
3. Your passport
4. Vaccination certificate – if applicable

It is IMPORTANT that you attend this meeting. Please advise KUMUKA or your AGENT if you CANNOT attend this meeting.

An epic journey which takes us overland from Nairobi and the game parks of Kenya to the ancient civilisations of Egypt. Starting in the busting capital of Nairobi, we head out past Mt. Kenya to Samburu National Park. In northern Kenya there is the option for a camel safari around the lush highland area of Marsabit, before we cross into Ethiopia. Ethiopia is a stunning and fascinating country offering chances to see the tribes of the Omo Valley, waterfalls, gorges, churches carved into the mountains and monasteries. In Sudan we see the capital Khartoum and the Pyramids of Meroe before our journey continues by ferry across Lake Nasser and into Egypt. Here we sail along the Nile by felucca, and explore the temples of the Pharaohs in Luxor and Aswan. before crossing the Western Desert to Cairo, and the end of our adventure.

Please note that the itinerary may change during the journey, due to local conditions and the nature of the environment we will be travelling through. Flexibility and a spirit of adventure is essential for a journey such as this.

Mt Kenya. Leaving Nairobi we cross the Great Rift Valley. We may see Masai tribes people with their herds of cattle, and with their distinctive dress. We travel to the slopes and foothills of Mt Kenya, camping in the area. There is time for forest walks and to explore the lower slopes, and local guides can be hired to accompany you.

Mount Kenya is the highest mountain in Kenya and the second-highest in Africa, after Kilimanjaro. It lies just south of the equator and is the source of the name of the Republic of Kenya.

To Marsabit, Moyale, Cross into Ethiopia, Lake Awassa. We head towards Marsabit which lies on the extinct volcano of Mount Marsabit. The semi arid region of Northern Kenya is remote and roads are rough. We may encounter some of the Nomadic tribes such as the Rendille in Marsabit who still wear distinctive and often elaborate dress. There are options to take a camel safari, and also an included crater walk.

We then continue towards Moyale and the border with Ethiopia. Moyale is a market town between Kenya and Ethiopia. After completing border formalities we begin our journey through Ethiopia and on to Lake Awassa.

Lake Awassa is the most studied of the Rift Valley lakes in Ethiopia. Papyrus boats or tankwa are used by local fishermen on the Lake.

Addis Ababa. In Addis Ababa we stay in a hotel, giving you time to explore the city at your leisure. The city sits at an altitude of about 2300 metres amongst wooded hills. Sip authentic Ethiopian coffee, maybe listen to some traditional music and sample the local food. Make a visit to the Ethnological Museum to get an insight into the many tribal groups of Ethiopia, or check out the fossils at the National Museum. The huge vibrant and chaotic local market is definitely worth a visit. Addis is also a great place to pick up some souvenirs.

Many nationalities are able to obtain their Sudanese visa in Addis Ababa although usually an Egyptian visa must have been obtained prior to being allowed to apply for a Sudan visa. We strongly recommend that Sudanese visas are obtained prior to departure from your home country. All nationalities must check with their respective embassies. If you are unable to obtain a visa to enter Sudan then you will have to fly over Sudan from Addis Ababa to Cairo at your own expense.

Bahir Dar - Lake Tana, Blue Nile, Axum. Our next stop is Bahir Dar where we plan to stay for 3 nights. Bahir Dar is located on the shores of Lake Tana close to the source of the Blue Nile and the Blue Nile Gorge.

Whilst in Bahir Dar we visit the Blue Nile Falls or “Water that Smokes”. With a local guide we take a boat trip from Lake Tana to visit one or two of the monasteries on the islands in the Lake with their traditional murals. Some of these monasteries date back over 900 years.

From Bahir Dar we make an excursion to the holy city of Axum, Ethiopia's oldest city. Axum dates back some 2,000 years to when it was the hub of the Axumite Empire. The Queen of Sheba made it her capital 1000 years before Christ. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church was founded here in the fourth century and Axum remains the holiest city of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. The main attractions are the huge granite stelae (pillars), some still perpendicular. These were made of single blocks of granite, the tallest stood over 33 metres high - the largest monolith in the world. The highest now standing is 23 metres. The 16th century Church of St Mary of Zion is the holiest Christian sanctuary in Ethiopia, and Ethiopians believe that the church houses the Ark of the Covenant, containing the tablets on which Moses wrote the Ten Commandments. The Grave of King Kaleb and the Grave of King Gabre, the reputed Bath of the Queen of Sheba, and a Museum are other historical attractions in the town.

Nubian Desert - Meroe Pyramids, Wadi Halfa. Our journey then takes us across the Nubian Desert, where at times we follow the Nile and at times cross vast open desert plains, We pass small villages and ruined temples, and may even encounter camels with their herders. The desert crossing takes about 5 days along mainly sandy tracks which at times can be hard to get through - participation from everyone is vital if the truck becomes stuck in the sand. Most nights we camp out in the vast desert under the stars, but we may spend a night in a small village giving you an insight into life in this wilderness region.

We explore the pyramids of Meroe in the heart of the ancient Kingdom of Nubia. Meroe is an ancient city on the east bank of the Nile north-east of Khartoum. The site of the city of Meroe is marked by more than two hundred pyramids in three groups, of which many are in ruins. They are identified as Nubian pyramids because of their distinctive size and proportions. All of the pyramid tombs of Nubia were plundered in ancient times, but wall reliefs preserved in the tomb chapels reveal that their royal occupants were mummified, covered with jewellery and laid to rest in wooden mummy cases. At the time of their exploration by archaeologists in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, some pyramids were found to contain the remains of bows, quivers of arrows, archers' thumb rings, horse harnesses, wooden boxes, furniture, pottery, coloured glass, metal vessels, and many other artifacts attesting to extensive Meroitic trade with Egypt and the Hellenistic world.

We leave Sudan from the port of Wadi Halfa. The port is situated on the southernmost tip of Lake Nasser in the Sudanese Sahara and is the most northerly place in Sudan.

Aswan. Aswan is a beautiful town, situated on the banks of the Nile. It has a fascinating and colourful souq, and the whole town is characterised by the Nubian people.

Whilst in Aswan we visit the Aswan Dam and beautiful Temple of Philae. The High Dam was completed in 1971 and created Lake Nasser. The creation of the dam made it necessary to relocate several famous monuments. The beautiful Philae Temple is a majestic Greco-Roman Egyptian temple dedicated to the goddess Isis, the goddess of love. We also explore Kitcheners Island - with time to wander through the botanical gardens.

It is from Aswan that optional excursions can be made to Abu Simbel either by air or coach. The cost of the flight option will be confirmed by your tour leader and includes all transfers, return flight and guide - this is subject to availability. The coach journey takes approximately 4 hours each way, including services of a guide.

Abu Simbel is the magnificent Temple by Ramses II. The sheer scale of the temple leaves one amazed, let alone the fact that it has been moved stone by stone from its original position before they flooded the Nubian lands to create Lake Nasser. Not only are the two temples at Abu Simbel among the most magnificent monuments in the world but their removal and reconstruction was a historic event in itself. When the temples (280 km from Aswan) were threatened by submersion in Lake Nasser, due to the construction of the High Dam, the Egyptian Government secured the support of UNESCO and launched a world wide appeal. During the salvage operation which began in 1964 and continued until 1968, the two temples were dismantled and raised over 60 metres up the sandstone cliff where they had been built more than 3,000 years before.

The rest of the day is free to explore Aswan at your leisure. You may like to end the day with drinks on the terrace of the famous Old Cataract Hotel, or wander through the colourful souq, or market area, where you can buy all sorts of Egyptian and Nubian trinkets. The Nubian presence is prevalent in Aswan, and you will see many African style carvings and figurines, motifs and colours on various artwork and pottery.

Luxor - Valley of the Kings & Queens, Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple. We disembark our felucca in Luxor, on the banks of the Nile, and the ancient capital of Egypt for over 500 years. Whilst in Luxor we spend a day on the West Bank of the Nile at the Valley of the Kings and Queens. We include entry into the Valley of the Kings allowing you to visit three tombs of your choice. Most people visit the tombs that the Egyptologist suggests as they spend their life in tombs and know which ones are the best.

There is also Tutankhamun’s tomb which is unfortunately an optional extra, the reasons for this is that the Egyptian government tends to open and close this due to the recorded humidity levels and so we cannot guarantee it will be open.

We also have the option of visiting the beautiful three-tiered temple of Hatshepsut one of the only women pharaohs of ancient Egypt. The entrance fee to the Valley of the Queens is also included in the trip cost. This entry covers the two tombs but not the third, which is Nefertari’s tomb, which has spectacular colours. Once again it opens and closes with humidity. This tomb when open allows only 150 people per day entry, and so Kumuka is unable to guarantee entry to this tomb. The reason tombs close for humidity is because the moisture in peoples’ breath encourages growth in the salt content of the stones causing the coloured sections to flake off.

We also visit the amazing Temples of Karnak and Luxor, where we have a guided tour. Karnak is an outstanding temple, with huge columns, walls covered with hieroglyphics, and Sphinx Avenue. It is the largest and most impressive temple in Egypt. Karnak Temple is actually a gigantic temple complex which is over 3500 years old and dedicated to the greatly powerful Ram Headed god Amun.

Luxor Temple is an important temple in that it was dedicated to 3 gods; Amun, his wife Mut and his son Khons.

Whilst in Luxor there is the option to go ballooning at dawn, and maybe go to one of the Sound & Light Shows.

Cairo - Pyramids, Sphinx, Cairo Museum. Cairo is the largest city in Africa with between 12 and 18 million inhabitants - nobody is sure, but there are quite a few. Driving is an experience, as it appears that Egyptian vehicle inspectors are fairly lenient and that the only roadworthy requirement on the cars is a workable horn, which must be continuously tested. The city itself is fascinating. Apart from the rich history, there are good markets, restaurants, banks and even a metro (underground railway). In typical Egyptian style, there are no maps of the underground so you will have to ask the tourist police.

Whilst in Cairo we will visit the Pyramids and Sphinx at Giza. Though fairly overrun with tourists, it is still an extremely impressive sight. A trip to Cairo would be incomplete without a visit to these two sacred sights. There is a guided tour included at the Pyramids. The pyramids are part of a huge mortuary temple complex whose purpose was to keep the Pharaohs alive in the afterlife. The Great Giza Pyramids are the only remaining wonder of the ancient world.

We also have a guided tour of the Egyptian Museum. The Egyptian museum houses more than 10,000 relics of ancient Egypt. There you can see the famous Tutankhamun Gallery and The Royal Mummies. The museum is home to millions of artifacts, mummies and reclaimed artworks alongside the extremely impressive Tutankhamun exhibition.

Please note that the tour ends after breakfast on Day 56

Please be aware that arrival times and the itinerary may change due to unforeseen delays or events such as festivals and public holidays. However, we shall endeavour to ensure all sites are visited and that your tour runs as smoothly as possible but please note that Africa does not run like clockwork, therefore do not expect the streamlined travel arrangements associated with some other continents. Things do not always go to plan; there will be times when you will need to be patient and philosophical about your travels. Conditions in Africa can vary dramatically and can often be very basic.

Be flexible, you will enjoy your tour much more. Kumuka makes a point of visiting the indigenous populations of each country you visit, in order to give a true reflection of the country; please treat the local people and their customs with respect.

Lastly, your tour leader is always conscious of everybody's views, but sometimes he/she will have to make an unpopular decision and your understanding will be appreciated in these circumstances.

The following information is a guideline only.  Kumuka Worldwide are not medical professionals and we strongly advise you make an appointment with your GP or Traveller’s Medical Centre at least TWO months prior to your departure date.

Vaccinations:
You must have an International Certificate of Yellow Fever Vaccination if crossing borders within Africa and to enter Tanzania. Southern African countries i.e. South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe DO NOT need the International Certificate of Yellow Fever Vaccination if you are only travelling between these countries.

Compulsory Inoculations:
Yellow Fever if you are arriving from an infected area. Please refer to your GP or Immunization Clinic. To enter Tanzania you are required to show proof of Yellow fever vaccination.

Strongly Recommended:
Diphtheria, Polio, Tetanus, Typhoid, Meningitis, Hepatitis A & B, Yellow Fever.
These may vary from country to country, please consult your GP or local Travel Clinic.
- A dental check-up prior to travelling.
- That you know your blood group in case of emergency.
- That if you have any pre-existing medical conditions which might affect you on tour, you make these known to your tour leader and your agent/Kumuka at the time of your booking.

You can also visit www.kumuka.com for further details.

Medical Supplies:
Each Kumuka vehicle has a well-equipped medical kit that by law must remain sealed and can only be used in an emergency. We advise that all passengers bring along their own personal first aid kit. Below is a list of some recommended items:

Band Aids/Bandages, Laxatives, Upset stomach remedy, Anti-diarrhea remedy, Panadol/Aspirin, Rehydration remedy, Antiseptic cream/powder, Sterile dressing, Any relevant course of medication such as contraceptive pills.

A complete Travellers Medical Pack can be purchased at most Vaccination Centres, Chemists and outdoor travel shops.

Whilst all Kumuka Worldwide vehicles have secure doors and are fully lockable, it always pays to be cautious.

Do not bring any unnecessary valuables such as jewellery or electronic equipment with you.   Be aware of your surroundings and keep your personal belongings close to you at all times as pickpockets operate everywhere, particularly in built-up tourist areas.

A money belt or something similar worn close to your body is the best way to carry passports and other important documents.    DO NOT be overt about how much money you are carrying or walk around with your camera dangling around your neck, no matter where you are travelling on the globe, you will be a walking target for opportunistic thieves.

If staying in hotels, do not leave your valuables in the room, make use of the safety deposit boxes available.  Likewise, do not leave ANYTHING of value in your tent unattended, leave these onboard the truck in the safe.

The best rule for packing is to limit yourself to the airline limit of 15 to 20kgs. It will inconvenience you and your fellow passengers if you bring more. If your luggage does not arrive at the airport, please inform your crew at the Pre Departure Meeting.

A frameless or internally framed backpack is the best way to carry your belongings since it is easy to lift on and off vehicles. Please note that we do not recommend that passengers bring suitcases.

A small daypack is practical for keeping general items (e.g. camera, books, wallets etc.) at hand when your main pack is out of reach. It is also handy for day trips and excursions. This can also be used for carrying 2 days of clothing so it is not always necessary to unload the large backpacks every night.
Other important items:-
• Sleeping Bag - (You will need a sub zero sleeping bag, if climbing Kilimanjaro).
• Inner Sheet - for your sleeping bag. Can also be used as a sleeping bag when it's hot.
• Sleeping Mat - A self-inflating mat. "Thermarest" is best, although a compressed foam mat is adequate.
• Mosquito Net -if you wish to sleep outdoors. All tents have built in mosquito nets. Nets can be obtained cheaply in Nairobi and other parts of Africa.
• We also recommend that you keep your passport, credit cards travellers cheques etc. on you at all times, preferably in a money belt worn under your clothes.

NOTE:-  You might be tempted to buy a few souvenirs here and there, so leave a little room for those extra purchases!!

Personal Effects:
Torch (we recommend a head torch), camera & film OR spare memory card, spare passport photos, water bottle, money belt, sewing kit, sunhat/sunglasses, MP3 player, books, wet ones, tissues, soap to wash clothes, writing materials, army knife, calculator, personal toiletries, including tampons, contraceptives, insect repellent, sunscreen.

NOTE:- If you wear glasses, it is advisable to bring a spare pair since opticians are uncommon. If you wear contact lenses you may find that climatic changes and dust can create visual irritation, therefore, it is advisable to bring a pair of glasses.

Clothing:
We suggest that you take into account the time of year you will be travelling, and pack accordingly to the season. Quick drying clothes are recommended, and at many campsites there are laundry facilities. Your tour leader will advise where this is possible.

Contrary to expectations it does get cold in Africa. Southern Africa, particularly South Africa and Namibia get quite cold at night between June and August. Mount Kilimanjaro will be cold at night all year round, due to the extreme altitude. You will need to bring your warmest clothes.

A rough guideline follows:-
• underwear & socks
• 3-4 long sleeved & short sleeved shirts or t-shirts
• 2-3 long trousers / shorts
• polar fleece / waterproof jacket
• walking shoes or trainers / sandals
• a set of smart clothes & shoes

Please use your discretion and be sensitive to cultural differences in the countries that you visit, in particular visits to religious buildings and when taking photographs. Your Tour Leader will advise you of any specific customs to observe.

Africa has some of the most spectacular photographic opportunities in the world. To capture these scenes you will need to bring a camera with a good zoom lens. For game photography, a 200mm lens or higher is recommended. Tripods tend to be bulky and cumbersome and a versatile beanbag is a good substitute.

If you are using print film, all supplies plus any filters and other accessories should be obtained prior to departure. We do not recommend that you develop your film whilst in East Africa, as the standards vary considerably and are often unreliable.

NOTE:- Protect your camera from the elements, particularly dust, as getting your camera repaired will be impossible in most places.  A good idea is to use an old tea towel or t-shirt to wrap your camera up inside it’s dustproof camera bag when not in use.

Please remember, we are guests in the countries through which we travel and we may sometimes inadvertently cause offence by taking photographs without first asking permission. It is absolutely forbidden by law to take photos at any borders, as they are all active military installations

We have put a lot of thought and effort into locating the most appropriate type of accommodation for each tour. Overland tours will spend the majority of time in campsites with facilities (bathrooms & bars etc.) and occasionally hotels/hostels where campsites are not available.

The more you put into your tour the greater the experience you will get from your trip. It is all about participation and mucking in with your fellow passengers!

Participation is a key factor on a tour of this nature and everyone is expected to pull their weight and get involved with the daily duties (e.g. cooking, cleaning and food shopping). The most successful trips are those where people become involved.  Naturally, amongst any group of people you will find a multitude of personalities, just remember that this is YOUR trip of a lifetime and don’t let other people’s quirks and habits bother you too much – take home your happy memories of Africa.    On the flipside you may find your tent partner will become a lifelong friend, which is one of the joys of the internet & social networking sites!

NOTE:- The longer Kumuka journeys are combinations of shorter tours. Passengers on our longer tours will therefore change crew and vehicles at either Nairobi or Victoria Falls. These and other destinations are also pickup and dropoff points for passengers so new faces and personalities will join the tours.

Under no circumstances are any illegal drugs allowed on any part of the trip. Anyone discovered in possession of any such drugs, will be asked to leave the tour immediately without question or refund.

Whilst on tour you will probably want to stay in touch with family and friends. There are several ways of doing this:

Mobile Phone – Before departing your home country check with your phone supplier to see if it compatible with the mobile phone networks in the countries that you are traveling to, and how much will it cost to use abroad.

Email – Internet Cafes are very cheap and popular, and you are sure to come across several during your tour. If you haven’t done so already, set up a free Google Mail, Hotmail, or Yahoo email account which you can then access from any computer. Internet Cafes will charge a nominal fee for using their computers. Within Europe some hotels charge a wifi connection fee and we cannot guarantee a wifi connection at all hotels we use.

Twitter – A method of communication that is rapidly gaining in popularity on the Internet especially amongst travelers. Twitter allows you to send short messages and update your friends and family with where you are on tour and what you are doing. Create your free account at http://twitter.com. Visit Kumuka’s page on Twitter at http://twitter.com/kumuka

Facebook – Very popular website that allows you to upload stories, get in touch with fellow travellers before and after your Kumuka tour, upload photos and videos to share with other travellers, your family and friends. To create a free account, go to www.facebook.com and then become a fan of Kumuka’s Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Kumuka-Worldwide/26617121087?ref=ts

Postcards – The good ol’ fashioned postcard. But you will probably get home before the postcard does!

KUMUKA WORLDWIDE

UK OFFICE

Hillswood Business Park 3000
Hillswood Drive Chertsey KT16 0RS
Tel: 020 7937 8855 Fax: 020 7937 6664
Email: sales@kumuka.com
www.kumuka.com

AUSTRALIAN OFFICE